CHENNAI: The government has informed the Madras High Court that 33,487 government teachers were boycotting classes as part of the on-going protest in support of their demands.
This information came as a response to a series of queries raised by Justice N Kirubakaran on Thursday. The protesters demands included revival of the old pension scheme. As part of the list of submissions, the government said of the total budget of Rs 13,595 crore, Rs 700 crore was spent on teachers salaries.
It went on to clarify that private school teachers were not participating in the protests, but added that their pay was lower than that of government school teachers. In its response, the government elaborated on the pay scale of these teachers. It was highlighted that those at the lowest level (secondary grade teachers) are paid between Rs 15,200-20,200 while those at the highest level (middle school head master) are paid between Rs 29,300-34,800.
The Joint Action Council of Teachers’ Organisations and Government Employees Organisations had given a call for the strike from September 7. Six teachers unions or associations have joined the protests.